Desymmetrization of Cyclopentenediones <i>via</i> Organocatalytic Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling

Abstract

Abstract An enantioselective synthesis of cyclopentenediones bearing a pyrazole unit has been achieved through an organocatalytic Michael addition/oxidation process. This desymmetrization reaction led to the desired pyrazole‐cyclopentenediones with high yield and good enantioselectivities. The postulated cross‐dehydrogenative coupling‐mechanism has been investigated via preliminary control experiments. magnified image